40% Jump in Rate-and-Term Refis Drives Overall Lock Growth as Purchase Activity Stalls

PLANO, Texas, March 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its February 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing a 7% month-over-month increase in mortgage lock volume driven primarily by a surge in refinance activity. Rate-and-term refinances saw the biggest jump, rising nearly 40% as homeowners seized the opportunity to lower their monthly payments. Cash-out refinances also edged higher, while purchase lock activity remained subdued for the second consecutive month.